A campaign has been launched following the tragedy in the River Don

A petition calling for increased water safety measures for children has been launched following the tragic death of 11-year-old Mackenzie Swift who drowned in the River Don.

The youngster’s body was tragically found in waters near Mexborough earlier this week, following a huge three day search by emergency services.

Now a petition calling for changes around waterways has been set up in the wake of Mackenzie’s death.

You can sign the petition here - https://www.change.org/p/enhance-water-safety-measures-for-children-in-local-communities?utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=mobileNativeShare&utm_campaign=share_petition&recruited_by_id=a2a7c840-5fff-11f1-9125-dd87e28d9ce0&share_id=2QJDF6t6TY

Petition organiser Sarah Winder said: “A beautiful young boy called Mackenzie sadly drowned in our local river recently, a tragedy that has shattered our community and highlighted the urgent need for action.

“Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Across the nation, too many children have lost their lives in water-related accidents.

“According to the World Health Organisation, drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional injury deaths worldwide - and it is the third leading cause of death for children.

“In many communities like ours, the lack of adequate safety measures around local water bodies contributes significantly to these heartbreaking incidents.

“We are calling on local councils and water management authorities to take immediate action to enhance water safety measures.

“This includes installing proper fencing around hazardous areas, increasing signage warning of water dangers and offering community education programmes focused on water safety and swimming skills.

“Moreover, implementing regular patrols and surveillance around these water bodies would greatly help in preventing future incidents.

“Encouraging the community to engage in volunteer watch programmes can also be an effective way to create a safer environment for our children.

“We must act now to protect our most vulnerable and prevent further tragedies. These actions are not only necessary but entirely possible with committed leadership and community support.

“Please sign this petition to urge our local authorities to prioritize water safety and safeguard our children from similar fates.”

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page for Mackenzie’s devastated family has raised more than £13,000.

Fund organiser Dale Coles said on the fundraising page, which you can donate to here - https://www.gofundme.com/f/mckenzie-swift

“To lose their boy must be the worst feeling in the world - and then on top of that comes the massive cost of having a funeral for him.

“So in light of this and the tons of messages from the community, we thought this might help with anything they need.

“So please even if it’s only £1 you can donate, every little helps the family through this horrendous time.”

Flowers have been laid at the scene in Mexborough and a memorial service was held at St John The Baptist Church in Mexborough.

Paul Rust, head teacher of Highwoods Academy, which Mackenzie attended, said the school community had been left "heartbroken" following the news.

Mr Rust described him as "a kind, caring and sensitive young man", whose "dry sense of humour and laughter brightened our classrooms and playgrounds.

"As an important member of our school, he will always hold a special place in our hearts, We will remember Mackenzie for the happiness he shared and the smiles he brought to others,” he said.

Mackenzie was last seen going into the water near Ferry Boat Lane in Mexborough at about 8pm on Saturday.

South Yorkshire Police said extensive searches, including an underwater team and Mountain Rescue volunteers, came to an end shortly before 23:00 on Monday.

Mackenzie is the 17th person in the UK known to have died after getting into trouble in open water during the recent hot weather.